People with the title of licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) are skilled professionals who meet certain requirements and work in a variety of fields. The terms “social worker” and “licensed clinical social worker” are not always interchangeable. Some social work agencies allow employees to use the title of social worker without having to be licensed. The use of this title may be restricted by the state or country, and not everyone who works as a social worker can claim to be one.
When the term LCSW is used, it usually refers to someone who has earned a master’s degree in social work. However, a master’s degree in social work does not guarantee licensure. A person with an MSW must then complete a number of hours of practical work and pass board examinations in order to be licensed. The amount of supervised work required to obtain a license varies. A person seeking licensure in California, for example, must complete over 3000 hours of work in supervised settings.
It’s a common misconception that an LCSW only works for a social service agency such as Child Protective Services. These highly trained individuals can work in a variety of fields. Some may work in social service agencies, while others may work in mental health hospitals or treatment centers.
People with licenses can work in a variety of settings. Social workers who have completed their training may go on to teach social work at universities, though this may necessitate additional education. Many LCSWs provide private therapy and are legally qualified to do so thanks to their degrees and licenses. Some social workers specialize in certain areas, while others work in a variety of fields at the same time.
Individual therapists often have the option of completing degrees and licensure to become either a marriage and family therapist (MFT or MFCC) or a licensed clinical social worker. Others decide to pursue careers as psychologists or psychiatrists, which necessitate additional education and, in the case of the latter, medical school. Each field has its own set of requirements, but in general, an LCSW has a higher earning potential and more flexibility in terms of the types of work available than an MFT. Those with an LCSW can practice private therapy instead of social work, but those with an MFT can’t usually transition to social work without an MSW and licensing. Although some people hold dual licensure, it is generally thought that becoming an MFT if one already holds an LCSW is unnecessary.